Milford Sound Overnight Cruise: Is It Worth It?
There is no better way to experience one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand than to stay overnight on a cruise. Once the tourists are gone and you can only hear the sound of the waterfall and the birds, is when you really feel the magic of Milford.
Back in 2017, Milford Sound used to be the place we would call home. We worked at Milford Sound Lodge just down the road from where all the boats depart, so we were incredibly lucky to see this natural wonder all the time!
I’ll tell you right now, being able to stay overnight in this place that gets thousands of visitors a day is one of the coolest things you’ll ever do. Out at sea with only waterfalls in sight, delicious food being served to your table, and the sound of nature while you’re sitting outside on the ship is something you’ll only get to experience if you do the overnight cruise in Milford Sound.
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The beauty of an overnight cruise in Milford Sound
We lived in Milford Sound for almost 6 months, and the Milford you get to experience after that last tour group of the day leaves the fjord is something 99% of people who visit Milford Sound don’t get to experience.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s still beautiful during the day, but you are surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of people. That’s what can happen when you go to one of the most beautiful places in the world…
That’s why it’s so special to stay on an overnight cruise out in the water with complete peace and quiet. It’s something so few people get to experience when visiting Milford Sound.
From watching the sunset from the deck of the boat to enjoying the night stars in the evening, it really is one of the most magical trips. One of my favourite things is the silhouettes of the mountains at night – they stand out so much even in complete darkness. Just sitting down admiring them while being out on the water is something out of this world.
Once all the other boats are docked, and it’s quiet out on the fjord, there’s also a chance you’ll see some more wildlife in the evening before sunset. Milford frequently gets dolphins and seals as well as sharks. Whales and Penguins also occasionally come into the fjord, and the overnight cruise is a great place to spot some wildlife.
💙 TL-DR: The overnight cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to visit Milford Sound without all the crowds, and it’s definitely worth it! You can book your tour here 🛳️
What to expect on the Milford Sound overnight cruise
The overnight cruise starts in the late afternoon, once most of the day cruises are finishing up and people are slowly making their way out of Milford.
The cruise is only one night, which is quick and short, but it’s why we also recommend staying an extra night at Milford Sound Lodge if you can and want to enjoy more time in Milford Sound (has to be booked in advance as it’s the only accommodation nearby!).
Below, we’ll share the details of what you can expect during this experience to give you an idea of what your time on the overnight cruise will look like (4 pm start – 9:15 am finish).
- Nature guide: You’ll have an expert on board who will share information about the area’s geology, the Māori people who used to come to this area, Māori legends about Piopiotahi (the original name for Milford Sound) and also about the wildlife you might be lucky enough to see during your stay (such as dolphins, seals, and maybe even whales, sharks, or penguins).
- Kayak or swim: After some time on the boat, you’ll have a chance to hop in a kayak and explore the quiet fjord up close. We’ve done a kayak tour before, and once you’re that close to the water, you really realize how huge the mountains and the fjord is! The kayaking experience is, of course, weather-dependent, but it’s a very fun activity to do on this trip when the weather allows.
- Enjoy a delicious buffet: For dinner, there’s an awesome buffet with delicious meat, appetizers, and drinks – and there’s something for everyone! You’ll get to enjoy your delicious dinner with the other guests.
- Take in the night sky: Time to relax and take in the beauty of Milford Sound at night. Relax in your private room or outside on the deck, admiring the mountains and the stars in the darkness. Milford Sound has some of the most incredible night skies we’ve ever seen, and on a clear night, you can see the Milky Way with your bare eye!
Every experience is going to be different, especially because the weather plays a big part. But we can promise you, though, that no matter if it’s rain or shine, you’ll get the most incredible experience.
It’s considered one of the most beautiful places in the world for a reason – and that’s one thing that’s true whether it rains or shines!
Check out availability & prices for the cruise here!
What you should know about the Milford Sound Cruise
Pickup: There are options to book the tour with transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau if you’re not planning to drive yourself.
Boat info: The name of the boat is the Milford Mariner, and it sleeps 64 people. The rooms can be configured into twin or double rooms based on your needs.
What to bring: It’s a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket and a warmer set of clothes. The weather in Milford Sound changes all the time.
Swimwear and sunscreen are always a good idea if you want to spend some time outside on the deck or on the kayak, as well as insect repellent (there are lots of sandflies in Milford).
You’ll also need to bring anything else you need for a sleepover, like toiletries, pyjamas, and whatever else you need for sleeping.
Is it worth doing the overnight cruise in Milford?
If you’re a couple or friends looking to experience something unique in New Zealand, or maybe a photographer looking to capture some incredible landscapes, or just an adventurer looking to see one of the most beautiful places in the world, then this cruise is for you.
For anyone who appreciates beautiful nature, tranquillity, and a unique experience, this is a must-add to your list of things to do in New Zealand. There really isn’t anything else like it (besides maybe the overnight trip to Doubtful Sound).
From being able to go kayaking and wildlife spotting to stargazing and being out on the fjord while all other ships are docked, this is such a cool experience.
If you’re choosing between a scenic flight over Milford Sound or an overnight cruise, we would go with the cruise! You can book your overnight cruise here.
Check out some of our Milford & NZ Guides guides below ⛰️🥾🐬
✈️ 3 Awesome Scenic Flights over Milford Sound✈️
⛰️ Milford Sound for First-Timers – What You Need to Know ⛰️
🚗 How to Get From Queenstown to Milford Sound 🚗
Recap of the overnight Milford Sound Cruise
Stirling Falls is 155 meters, and if you look closely at the second picture, you’ll spot palm trees!
We hope this was helpful in planning your trip to Milford Sound and staying out on the water for a night. Like we mentioned, there’s also accommodation at Milford Sound Lodge if you want to stay an extra night or two and appreciate the beautiful scenery.
We recommend spending at least one night in Milford if it fits your itinerary, since it’s such a special place and because of how remote it is. There’s easily enough to do for two days – especially since you’ll be out on the boat for a good chunk of time.
Feel free to leave a comment below or message us on Instagram @redwhiteadventures if you have any questions about getting to Milford Sound, the cruise itself, or anything else related to the trip.
It’s one of our favourite places on earth, so we love it when people visit because it has such a special place in our hearts – and we’re always happy to help where we can!
📍 Want to know about all the best spots in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Then check out our New Zealand Maps with +200 locations around the country that we have visited during our 10 months of living and travelling in NZ! 🗺️
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